Hello there. I need an opinion of anyone who knows both Isshinryu and Taekwondo.

So I am doing a tournament this Saturday. It is open. I am competing as a TKD black belt (Sho Dan soon testing for 2nd, but I am also brown belt 2nd kyu Isshinryu). I am debating which kata would look better for a tournament: Kusanku vs Choong Jang. I have been doing both kata for a while now and am very comfortable with both. I have been practicing both as well quite heavily. I plan on using one for initial competition, then using the other as backup or if I make the running for grand champion. Any thoughts?

Thank you!

(I understand that we can do this search as well)

can you add a couple of links to videos (Youtube) showing these Kata, and maybe add you views on what was good, ok or bad about each in your opinion?

We'll get a feeling of what you are asking and how you thing about these katas.

Here is a good video of Kusanku

Another decent one

Here is an ok video of Choong Jang

Another decent one

I feel like every video I watch of the TKD katas they are so stiff. Whenever I perform them I always try to add fluidity to them. Which is why I am leaning towards Kusanku. I think it is a little more "showy" for an open tournament and has a lot of variety.

Simple answer: depends on who's judging.

If you have a couple of categories or matches before you, watch to see what's winning them make a decision based on that.

Although as you've said:

I am competing as a TKD black belt

Shouldn't you be demonstrating TKD and thus perform Choong Jang?

Not necessarily. It is an open tournament. I have seen black belts perform kata/hyung from other styles. I am just looking for what is going to be more of a tournament kata. I actually have done Choong Jang the past two times this bi annual tournament has been going on. The judges are usually mixed. I think last year I had a Hapkido, Tang Soo Do, and TKD judge.

Just watching them as someone who has never seen a TKD tournament in person, I would go with Kusanku.

Personally I think you should go with Kusnaku as it seems like the 'better' kata. maybe i say that because i am a bit bias?

but since you are a black belt maybe do the TKD kata

ah! cool thanks!

Placed my vote!

..and yes for pretty much the same reasons posted here!

I went with Kusanku...and I'm a TKD guy. Choong Jang will actually be my next form, I believe.

But Kusanku looked like it flowed better, of the videos I watched.

Kusanku!!